April Spotlight of the Month

A: We will be apart of Greek Week and we are looking forward to being partners with Sigma Sigma Sigma.

Q: Summary of what your organization does:

A: Alpha Tau Omega Kappa Lambda is a social fraternity on Grand Valley’s Campus. We host philanthropy events, have socials with sororities, and we also participate in on and of campus events. Our purpose at this university is to graduate with a degree in our choice. Members of ATO take academics very serious and we can always be found in the library.

Q: What issues do you address?

A: Every day we have to fight a stereotype that fraternities are only on campus to drink and party. We are trying to break that stereotype by proving that we are more than that. We dedicate a lot of our time to philanthropy, social service, and academics. We are trying to make a difference in the world and the classrooms.

Q: What types of philanthropy and service do you do?

A: We have two events each school year. Our fall event is EggerATOr. At this event, we allow individuals on campus to throw eggs at us. All of the proceeds go to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, MI Chapter. Our signature event in the winter is ATO Walks Hard: Many Steps for MS. This event takes place over spring break and lasts about 8 days. Over the 8 days, members of ATO walk 160 miles from the GVSU Allendale Campus all the way to Traverse City.

Q: What nonprofits do you work with?

A: The biggest non profit we work with is the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, MI Chapter. They are a huge part of our event ATO Walks Hard: Many Steps for MS.

Can you tell us more about ATO Walks Hard: Many Steps for MS?

A: Our signature event in the winter is ATO Walks Hard: Many Steps for MS. This event takes place over spring break and lasts about 8 days. Over the 8 days, members of ATO walk 160 miles from the GVSU Allendale Campus all the way to Traverse City. About 90 of the 160 miles walked are along the White Pine Trail. This was our second year doing the event and we were able to raise about 31,000 dollars. All of the proceeds go directly to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, MI chapter. Any costs that we have during the event come out of our chapters budget. This year, we had 20 individuals walk and 13 made it the full 160 miles. A few members had to take a day or two off due to pain or injuries. This walk pushes your body to its limits. Its not just physical, but mental.